With allergens being present almost year-round, Florida residents are always looking for ways to manage their allergy symptoms. While your doctor may prescribe specific treatments to manage your symptoms, there are some things that you can do at home as well. Here are the best ways to manage your allergy symptoms.
Avoidance
The best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen. Of course, that may not always be possible. Allergens are generally classified as indoor or outdoor. Outdoor allergens include pollens and molds that can have seasonal variation. If you have to spend a lot of time outdoors for your job or if you spend a lot of time in outdoor activities with friends or family, you will have a hard time avoiding these allergens. One way to limit exposure is to check pollen and mold counts before venturing outdoors. Indoor allergens include animal dander and dust mites which can be present year-round. You can limit your time around pets as much as possible, but this may be difficult if the animal is in the house with you. If you are allergic to dust mites, talk to your allergist about measures to decrease your exposure.
Keep Things Clean
Seasonal allergies will be much less troubling if you can avoid them by staying indoors. To do this, you have to work to keep the pollen and mold from entering your home. It comes in open windows and doors, so try to keep windows closed during the pollen season. . Keeping your home as clean as possible is a great way to minimize allergens.
Allergy medications
There are many different medications on the market to treat seasonal allergy symptoms. Some of these medications are available over the counter, while others will require a prescription. Allergy medications decrease your reaction to the allergen so that you have fewer or milder symptoms. Most of these medications are only taken once or twice per day. Pills and nasal sprays are the most common treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy exposes you to a gradually increasing amount of an allergen over time so that your body can build up a tolerance. We use this technique frequently to treat seasonal and respiratory allergies
If you have been having allergy symptoms and need treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
